Premiere Graduate Training at

Wayne State University

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The Hilberry Repertory Company and The Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University

Created in 1963 with the belief that repertory theatre is the best possible training ground for careers in the theatre, the Hilberry Company was the brainchild of Leonard Leone. Clarence B. Hilberry, then president of Wayne State University, personally took responsibility for raising the funds to convert the First Church of Christ Scientist in Detroit into a theatre — named The Hilberry Theatre — which stands as a memorial to his leadership.

The M.F.A. curriculum is a three-year program of intensive practical experience, based on management training, performance and production within the professional conditions of the Hilberry Repertory Theatre. Each year Hilberry students are involved in more than 100 performances of six different shows before an audience of nearly 45,000 people. Chosen in nationwide auditions and interviews, the members of the company receive classroom and applied training leading to advanced degrees in management, acting or design.

Today, the 40-to-45 member company is composed of theatre managers; actors; costume, lighting and scenic designers/technicians; and stage managers who work together to produce what the Detroit News has called “...the longest running, large-scale story in Detroit drama.”

Consider yourself invited to be part of the family.

Learn more at theatre.wayne.edu • See our season at hilberry.com

M.F.A. Theatre Management

The Hilberry Theatre Management program is focused on arts leadership. The theory studied is similar to those in other arts administration programs, but the Hilberry degree is focused on practice and gives you the skills delete to work in a professional capacity immediately.

This full-immersion, practice-based course of study — modeled after real, professional theatres — offers leadership training and the opportunity to network with guest lecturers who work in the field. Our Management students learn, hands-on, what it means to run a professional theatre and often are hired into executive-level positions upon graduation.

Master Class with Emmanuel Azenberg

Film Shoot with Dean of the WSU CFPCA

Theatre Managers at President’s Preview

Theatre Managers running the annual Subscriber Party.

Alum and Ovation Awardee, Kent Neely

M.F.A. Scenic Design

The Hilberry Scenic Design program is a pre-professional terminal degree that emphasizes practical training and experience while providing design opportunities in a wide variety of styles — from the classics to modern works. The Hilberry is devoted to cultivating new theatre artists through the development of particular production-related skills, and our applied learning environment emphasizes collaboration, conceptualization, originality and self-discovery.

The Hilberry offers students both coursework and studio time, as well as opportunities to fully realize their designs on the main stage and in the department’s various spaces. Hilberry graduate students work in rotation as scenic designers, technical directors, assistant designers, property masters and scenic painters. The Hilberry program prepares the student to enter the professional theatre and the broader world of professional entertainment.

Christopher Otwell (’10) Set Designer, The Servant of Two Masters, Hilberry Theatre, 2009.

Pippin, Set Designer, Jeffrey Strange (’10)

Bonstelle Theatre, 2010.

Amadeus, Set Designer, Brad Darvas (’07)

Hilberry Theatre, 2007.

Sylvia, Set Designer, David Court (’07) Hilberry Theatre, 2004-05.

Jacee Rohlck (’11)Scenic Designer, Hilberry Theatre.

Rudolph Schuepbach (’12)Scenic Designer,Hilberry Theatre

Michael Wilkki (’13)Scenic Designer, Hilberry Theatre.

Peter Schmidt (’12)Scenic Designer,

Hilberry Theatre.

M.F.A. Acting

The Hilberry Acting program was conceived with the belief that one of the best systems of theatre training is an intensive, performance-guided experience based on a series of European and American classics, combined with noteworthy contemporary plays performed in rotating repertory. Continual performance before a live audience is considered a fundamental part of the learning process.

Highlighted explorations include the processes of Konstantin Stanislavsky, Michael Chekhov, Jacques Lecoq, and Sanford Meisner. Styles and genres covered include psychological realism, neutral mask, Greek chorus, commedia dell’arte, high comedy, revenge tragedy, Shakespeare and expressionism/surrealism. Movement classes emphasize alignment, agility and strength, as well as period dance/deportment and Pilates. Voice classes employ a somatic approach based in the work of Catherine Fitzmaurice.

The department regularly invites guest artists and teachers who provide additional instruction in movement, dance, acting, voice and Shakespearean text analysis, as well as professional talent agents from a variety of regions who offer additional industry insight and training.

Master Class with Mandy Patinkin

Master Class with Phylicia Rashad

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman,

Hilberry Theatre, 2009.

Good by C.P. Taylor,Hilberry Theatre, 2010.

Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin, Hilberry Theatre, 2009.

Master Class withStephen Schwartz

Master Class withTom Skerritt

Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl,Hilberry Theatre, 2008.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard,

Hilberry Theatre, 2008.

Guest artist Rick Carver,

physical comedian.

M.F.A. Lighting Design

The Hilberry Lighting Design program focuses on the production of theatre in combination with individualized coursework that develops each student as an artist. Working in both the Hilberry and Bonstelle Theatres, students design for multiple productions during the program. They also have the opportunity to undertake Sound Design for a number of productions.

These opportunities are combined with classes that are kept small enough to address the particular needs of each student. This combination provides a solid experience in both the theory and practice of lighting design, preparing students for careers as designers in the entertainment industry.

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare,

Lighting Designer, Andrew Morehouse (’06)

Hilberry Theatre, 2006.

Jon Weaver (’12) Lighting Designer, The Servant of Two Masters, Hilberry Theatre, 2009.

Jason Pratt (’ 11) Lighting Designer,

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hilberry Theatre, 2009-10.

Goodby C. P. Taylor, Lighting Designer, Jim Costello (’10) Hilberry Theatre, 2010.

The Master Builderby Henrik Ibsen,

Lighting Designer, Tim Sutton (’10)

Hilberry Theatre, 2008.

M.F.A. Costume Design

The Hilberry Costume Design program gives students an opportunity to study and practice the art of costume design through intensive classroom experience, as well as studio and design production work.

The course of study includes traditional classes in all aspects of design technique, including script analysis, studio art classes and fashion design, as well as basic scenic and lighting design. Combined with the hands-on approach to technical production, students have the opportunity to design for multiple realized productions at the Hilberry and Bonstelle Theatres during the course of the degree, preparing for professional careers in theatrical or event costume design and costume shop management.

The Beaux’ Stratagem by George Farquhar, adapted by Ken Ludwig and Thornton Wilder, Hilberry Theatre, 2010.

Christa Koerner (’11) Costume Designer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hilberry Theatre, 2009-10.

Master Class with Anna Sui, fashion designer.

The Hilberry costume shop located within the Production Center.

M.F.A. Stage Management

The Hilberry Stage Management program trains students for professional positions in higher education and the theatre. The stage manager’s role requires a wide range of artistic, technical, managerial, and communication abilities. It demands a strong commitment to the process of theatre production and a desire to serve that process by fostering a creative work environment that is conducive to its ultimate success.

While here, the stage manager will undertake a minimum of six professional productions at the Hilberry, as well as the chance to mentor a production at the Bonstelle Theatre. A balanced selection of courses and production assignments at the Hilberry Theatre prepare the student for a professional position immediately following graduation.

All My Sonsby Arthur Miller,

Hilberry Theatre, 2009.

The Kentucky Cycleby Robert Schenkkan,Hilberry Theatre, 2003-2004.

Mike Peters (’12) Stage Manager,

Hilberry Theatre.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream,in rehearsal at the Hilberry Theatre.

Donald Hunter (’ 10) Stage Manager, Hilberry Theatre.

Our FacilitiesThe Wayne State University Department of Theatre maintains three theatres, three rehearsal halls, a costume and scenic production center, multiple design labs, a marketing and public relations office and a general administrative office.

The Hilberry Theatre, operated by the graduate repertory company, is a 3/4-thrust stage that seats 532 audience members.

The Bonstelle Theatre, the main performance space of the undergraduate company, is a 1,143-seat proscenium auditorium. Hilberry company members design productions and mentor the undergraduate company in this space.

The Studio Theatre is an alternate undergraduate space located downstairs in the Hilberry. Reminiscent of a blackbox, this intimate 110-seat venue is perfect for the student-directed work that occurs there.

The Production Center, located 1/2-block away from the Hilberry Theatre, houses scenic, costume and property shops.

Within Old Main, home of the department’s faculty and theatre management offices, there are multiple design studios, movement and vocal studios, three dedicated rehearsal hall spaces and a lighting lab.

The Hilberry Theatre The Bonstelle Theatre

The Studio Theatre

The Production Center

Admissions

General Procedures

To be considered for admission to the Hilberry, an applicant must hold or be completing a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent. They must also submit the application form, a current resumé, unofficial copies of transcripts from all colleges attended and threeletters of recommendation.

Auditions, interviews or portfolio reviews are required prior to completing an application to the graduate school. Procedures for specific programs are as follows:

Acting Candidates for the Acting program are required to audition in person. Each candidate must present two memorized audition pieces: a classical selection in verse and a modern or contemporary phrase piece. The total time of this presentation should not exceed four minutes. Candidates will be interviewed briefly following the audition. Design (Scenic, Costume, and Lighting) Candidates for each of the design programs must submit a design portfolio. The portfolio should convey information about the ability of the candidate to express artistically, to be sensitive to the dramatic materials, to work with space, and to use color, form and research materials. Each piece in the portfolio must be marked with the candidate’s name, the name of the play, the date of the piece, and whether it was realized in production.

Stage Management Candidates for the Stage Management program are required to be interviewed in person. For the interview, applicants should bring examples of their prompt books, writing, and other materials such as schedules and programs to support their candidacy.

Theatre Management Candidates for the Theatre Management program are required to be interviewed in person. For the interview, applicants should bring samples of their writing — such as letters, brochures, and press releases — and other materials (such as layouts, videos, artwork, and budgets) to support their candidacy.

Other Degree Programs Wayne State University’s Department of Theatre also offers B.A., B.F.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees.

For more information about these degree programs, please visit theatre.wayne.edu or e-mail theatreinfo@wayne.edu.

Financial Aid Policy

Acting, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design and Stage Management Students

Graduate Research Assistantship and Tuition Waiver

Graduate research assistantships are granted to many members of the Hilberry Compa-ny. Furthermore, all tuition and all direct fees are paid for by the department and/or the university. The student’s only monetary obligation is the application fee that is required when the student applies to the university. Certain course material fees may apply in some situations.

Stipends and benefits for the 2009-2010 academic year were as follows:

Tuition and Fee Waivers (10 credit hours/semester) $20,009Medical and Dental Insurance $ 4,123Assistantship Stipend $13,447

Total $37,579

Theatre Management Students

Students accepted into the Theatre Management program are expected to pay full tuition and fees to the university during their first year, while being paid a stipend of approxi-

mately $7,000 from the department for their work assignments. In their second and third years of study, they will be granted full tuition and fee waivers, medical and dental insur-

ance, and a full graduate research assistantship, equaling approximately $37,000.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, Hilberry Theatre, 2009-10.

PHOTOS BY:NIKKI ALLEN, RICK BIELACZYC, REBECCA

R. LUSTIG, JANINE M. PIXLEY, JASON PRATT AND WSU THEATRE MANAGEMENT STAFF.

JOIN THE RANKS OF THESE ALUMNI:

Eric Barr, Chair, Dept. of Theatre, Univ of California, RiversideAnita Barone, Actress, Television and Film

Roger Bean, Writer and Director, The Marvelous WonderettesRobert Brock, Artistic Director, Kentucky Repertory Theatre

Kristeen Crosser, Tech. Dir. & Scenic/Lighting Designer, Reed College Bradley Darvas, Tech. Dir. of Theatre, State Univ. of West Georgia

Christina L. Flynn, Resident Actress, Jewish Ensemble TheatreJan Gist, Resident Voice and Speech Coach, The Old Globe

Greg Grobis, General Manager, Perf. Arts Dept., Univ. of Detroit Mercy Frank D. Hartsenstein, Broadway Production Stage Manager

Candace Hemphill, National Touring Stage and Company Manager, Avenue Q Terry Jachimiak, Asst. Prof. of Theatre Studies, Lynchburg CollegeReid G. Johnson, Resident Lighting Designer, Meadowbrook Theatre

Thorsten Kaye, Actor, Television, All My ChildrenScott Mollman, Assoc. Prof. of Theatre, The University of South Dakota

Eric Messing, Director, Business Development at Steketee Greiner and Co.Sarah Clare Meyer, Prof. of Arts Admin., Savannah College of Art and Design

Dr. Kent Neely, Provost, Western Oregon UniversityBobby Pearce, Tony Award Nominee, Costume DesignRuben Santiago-Hudson, Tony Award-Winning Actor

Bil Schroeder, Dir. of Marketing and Comm. at South Coast Rep.Ingrid Sonnichsen, Asssoc. Prof. of Acting, Carnegie Mellon University

Jeffrey Strange, Assistant Professor of Theatre, Tennessee State UniversityThomas M. Suda, Special Instructor of Theatre, Oakland University

Phyllis Somerville, Actress, Film and StageJeffrey Tambor, Actor, Television and Film, Arrested Development

Paula E. Trimpey, Asst. Prof. of Theatre & Fashion Design, Albright CollegeJohn Wade, Associate Prof. of Theatre, SUNY New Paltz

Amber Wallen, Development Manager, Gallo Center for the ArtsJohn Weckesser, Chair, Performing Arts Dept., College of Santa Fe

Alan Yeong, Costume Designer & Scenographer, State Univ. of West Georgia

Wayne State University Board of GovernorsRichard Bernstein, chair; Tina Abbott, vice-chair; Debbie Dingell,

Eugene Driker, Diane L. Dunaskiss, Paul E. Massaron, Annetta Miller, Gary S. Pollard, Jay Noren, ex officio